At a joint observer statement on Mayoral and Chairmanship elections, The WANEP- the Gambia, The National Human Rights Commission, and The National Elections Response Group with support from the ECOWAS updated the media on key findings which includes reported tensions in Banjul between the NPP and the UDP.
The joint statement which detailed findings on the opening, voting process, close of polls, the counting process as well as conclusion was delivered Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr Emmanuel Joof.
“There were reported tensions in Banjul between NPP and UDP supporters which prompted the intervention of the paramilitary intervention unit. The presence of NPP vehicles and allegations of inducement by NPP supporters were also reported from several polling stations in Banjul. Reports also indicate party militants loitering close to polling stations in Banjul.”
” The NPP candidate for the West Coast Region, Seedy Ceesay, was on Kerr Fatou vowing to stop the voting at a particular polling station in Brufut due to a vehicle parked there, which was branded with pictures of Ahmed Gitteh., Independent candidate for the same Region.”
at the close of polls, the joint- statement says the polls were on time and, with electoral rules observed and the atmosphere was peaceful.
At the opening of polls, the joint- statement indicated
polls opened on time, opening procedures as outlined by law were complied with and most of the polling staff were present.
The statement further revealed that the voting process went accordingly but observed that the presence of security was high, especially
in hotspot areas, notably Banjul, Upper, and Lower River Regions.
